Policies

The following policies are detailed on subsequent pages. Click on a topic to see information on it.

College Policies and Student Responsibilities:

1B. 1 Nondiscrimination in Employment & Education Opportunity

1B.1 Nondiscrimination in Employment & Education Opportunity

Part 1. Policy Statement.

Policy Statement. Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment and education opportunity. No person shall be discriminated against in the terms and conditions of employment, personnel practices, or access to and participation in, programs, services, and activities with regard to race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, or sexual orientation. In addition, discrimination in employment based on membership or activity in a local commission as defined by law is prohibited.

Harassment on the basis of race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, or sexual orientation is prohibited. Harassment may occur in a variety of relationships, including faculty and student, supervisor and employee, student and student, staff and student, employee and employee, and other relationships with persons having business at, or visiting the educational or working environment.

This policy is directed at verbal or physical conduct that constitutes discrimination /harassment under state and federal law and is not directed at the content of speech. In cases in which verbal statements and other forms of expression are involved, Dakota County Technical College will give due consideration to an individual's constitutionally protected right to free speech and academic freedom. However, discrimination and harassment are not within the protections of academic freedom or free speech.

The college shall maintain and encourage full freedom, within the law, of expression, inquiry, teaching and research. Academic freedom comes with a responsibility that all members of our education community benefit from it without intimidation, exploitation or coercion. This policy shall apply to all individuals affiliated with DCTC including but not limited to, its students, employees, applicants, volunteers, and agents and is intended to protect the rights and privacy of both the complainant and respondent and other involved individuals, as well as to prevent retaliation or reprisal. Individuals who violate this policy shall be subject to disciplinary or other corrective action.

This policy supersedes all existing college nondiscrimination policies.

Part 2. Definitions.

Subpart A. Consensual Relationship. A sexual or romantic relationship between two persons who voluntarily enter into such a relationship. Employees who are members of the same household should also refer to the Board of Trustees Nepotism policy 4.10.

Subpart B. Discrimination. Discrimination is defined as conduct that is directed at an individual because of his or her protected class and that subjects the individual to different treatment by agents or employees so as to interfere with or limit the ability of the individual to participate in, or benefit from, the services, activities, or privileges provided by the college or otherwise adversely affects the individual's employment or education.

Subpart C. Discriminatory harassment.Discriminatory harassment is defined as verbal or physical conduct that is directed at an individual because of his or her protected class, and that is sufficiently severe, pervasive, or persistent so as to have the purpose or effect of creating a hostile work or educational environment.

As required by law, DCTC has further defined sexual harassment as a form of sexual discrimination which is prohibited by state and federal law. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexually motivated physical conduct, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment or education, evaluation of a student's academic performance, or term or condition of participation in student activities or in other events or activities sanctioned by the college or university; or
Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or academic decisions or other decisions about participation in student activities or other events or activities sanctioned by the college or university; or
Such conduct has the purpose and effect of threatening an individual's employment; interfering with an individual's work or academic performance; or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or educational environment.

Subpart D. Employee. DCTC personnel include all faculty, staff, administrators, teaching assistants, and student employees.

Subpart E. Protected Class. Protected class for the purpose of this policy means that discrimination and harassment in employment and education are prohibited on the basis of: race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance or sexual orientation. In addition, membership or activity in a local human rights commission is a protected class in employment.

Subpart F. Retaliation. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, intentionally engaging in any form of intimidation, reprisal or harassment against an individual because he or she made a complaint under this policy or assisted or participated in any manner in an investigation, or process under this policy, regardless of whether a claim of discrimination or harassment is substantiated; or associated with a person or group of persons who are disabled or are of a different race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation or national origin. Retaliation may occur whether or not there is a power or authority differential between the individuals involved.

Subpart G. Sexual harassment and violence as sexual abuse. Under certain circumstances, sexual harassment or violence may constitute sexual abuse according to Minnesota law. In such situations, the college shall comply with the reporting requirements in Minnesota Statutes Section 626.556 (reporting of maltreatment of minors) and Minnesota Statutes Section 626.557 (Vulnerable Adult Protection Act). Nothing in this policy will prohibit the college from taking immediate action to protect victims of alleged sexual abuse. Minnesota State Colleges and Universities 1B.3 Sexual Violence Policy addresses sexual violence.

Subpart H. Student. "Student" means an individual who is:

admitted, enrolled, registered to take or is taking one or more courses, classes, or seminars, credit or noncredit;
between terms of a continuing course of study, such as summer break between spring and fall academic terms; or
expelled or suspended from enrollment as a student, during the pendency of any adjudication of the student disciplinary action.

Part 3. Consensual Relationships.

No DCTC employee shall enter into a consensual relationship with a student or an employee over whom he or she exercises direct or otherwise significant academic, administrative, supervisory, evaluative, counseling, or extracurricular authority or influence. In the event a relationship already exists, the college shall develop a procedure to reassign evaluative authority as may be necessary to avoid violations of this policy. This prohibition does not limit the right of an employee to make a recommendation on personnel matters concerning a family or household member where the right to make recommendations on such personnel matters is explicitly provided for the in the applicable collective bargaining agreement or compensation plan.

Part 4. Retaliation.

Retaliation as defined in this policy is prohibited at the college. Any individual subject to this policy who intentionally engages in retaliation shall be subject to disciplinary or other corrective action as appropriate.

Dakota County Technical College shall establish procedures to implement this policy which will comply with MnSCU Board policy 1B.l and Procedure 1B.1.1

Updated based on MnSCU Policy 1B.1 10/24/06.
Reference MnSCU Policy 1B.1 Updated 11/1/06
Replaces DCTC Policy Approved February 1, 1996

Procedure 1B.1.1 - Report/Complaint of Discrimination/Harassment Investigation and Resolution

Data Practices Access Personnel

The Responsible Authority for data practices compliance and access to government data for Dakota County Technical College is Randy Anderson , Vice President of Finance, Operations, Student Services and Marketing.

For Student Affairs [Academic] Records, contact:
Registrars Office
1300 145th Street East
Rosemount, MN 55068
651-423-8216 fax: 651-423-8775

For Personnel Records, contact:
Sue Raddatz, Human Resources Director
1300 145th Street East
Rosemount, MN 55068
651-423-8205 fax: 651-423-8775
Susan.Raddatz@dctc.edu

For Other Records, contact:
Registrars Office
1300 145th Street East
Rosemount, MN 55068
651-423-8216 fax: 651-423-8775

If you have questions or concerns about problems in obtaining access to data or other data practices problems, you may contact the campus data practices compliance officer, Dr. Ron Erickson, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs.

Disability Non-Discrimination Policy

It is the policy of Dakota County Technical College to encourage the participation of any qualified individual in any program, service, or activity sponsored by the college, including qualified individuals with disabilities. It shall be a violation of this policy for a qualified person with a disability, on the basis of the disability, to be excluded from these benefits. The college will make reasonable accommodations for the documented physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified person with a disability unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship or fundamental alteration to the operation of its programs.

If you would like additional information regarding rights and remedies available under the ADA or wish to request accommodations for a disability or file a grievance based on non-compliance with the provisions of the ADA, please contact Anne Swanberg, Disability Advisor, at 651-423-8469 (voice) or 651-423-8621 (TTY).

Drug-Free Campus Policy

In compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101-226) Dakota County Technical College has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees.

Dakota County Technical College prohibits students from possessing, using, and/or distributing illegal drugs and using alcohol on the college grounds or in college vehicles. Possession, use, and distribution of illegal drugs and the illegal use and distribution of alcohol are also prohibited at all college-sponsored activities which occur on or off campus.

Dakota County Technical College recognizes that there are many severe health and psychological risks associated with the use of illegal drugs and abuse of alcohol. These risks have been outlined by many health care agencies including the Office of the Surgeon General. In addition to these risks, the use of illegal drugs and abuse of alcohol contribute to a negative environment which does not promote the pursuit of a technical education. Therefore, the college will continue to implement services and policies that will insure a drug-free environment for students. Additional information is located in the Health Services Office. View Drugs Can End Your Education Booklet

Electronic Information Policy

Electronic information includes, but is not limited to, computer work-stations, e-mail, Internet, and local area networks. Electronic information service is provided to support the educational mission of DCTC. Access to and use of electronic information is a privilege, not a right, and should be treated as such. All students are responsible for seeing that electronic information services are used in an effective, efficient, ethical, and lawful manner.

Electronic information services may not be used for illegal activities or unauthorized purposes including, but not limited to:

Harassment
Destruction or damage to or tampering with equipment, software, or data
Viewing, displaying, storing, transmitting or receiving material that is or may be reasonable regarded as obscene, sexually explicit, or pornographic, including any depiction, photograph, audio recording, or written word
Downloading, installing, copying, or use of other unauthorized software
Unauthorized copying and/or distribution of copyrighted materials
Students will not engage in peer-to-peer file sharing, such as Kazaa, iMesh, WinMX, or other similar programs. Sharing copyrighted materials, such as MP3s or videos, without a license is criminal behavior and can subject the user and Dakota County Technical College to legal sanctions. Federal law requires that the college take action when notified that someone on its network is distributing copyrighted materials. The college will not protect individuals who distribute copyrighted material without an appropriate license. Moreover, the traffic such sharing generates can easily cause access problems for other users at the college. Both of these outcomes violate this college's policy.
"Spamming" through widespread dissemination of unsolicited and unauthorized e-mail messages
The disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications
Private business or personal gain or profit

As electronic information users, students are responsible for using the system resources wisely.

General Standards and Guidelines: Electronic information users are asked to take care in subscribing to listserves, transmitting large messages and attachments, and sending multiple copies.

Privacy of electronic information messages cannot be guaranteed. Maintenance of the electronic information system may require access to the user's files.

Sanctions for Violations: If a student uses the system in ways that are judged excessive, wasteful, or unauthorized, he/she may be subject to loss of access and appropriate disciplinary procedures.

All electronic information users will have to acknowledge acceptance of these guidelines before their accounts are activated.

Grievance Procedure for Americans with Disabilities Act

Students who think they are being discriminated against because of a disability are encouraged to contact the ADA Compliance Officer. The ADA Compliance Officer will review the grievance as well as the concerns of all parties and will attempt to resolve the grievance to everyone's satisfaction. The ADA Compliance Officer is Anne Swanberg (651-423-8463).

Students may wish to file a formal grievance in writing. A Student Grievance form is available in the Student Services Office. Written grievances must be completed within 15 days after the student is aware of the alleged violation.

The grievance form is submitted to the Vice President. Students may submit additional documentation, evidence, or expert opinion to support their appeals. Students needing assistance with appeals may request that an advocate be assigned by the Vice President.

Within ten working days of receiving the grievance, the Vice President of Academic Affairs will provide written notification of his ruling to all involved parties.

Students have the right to pursue appeals through external channels. The ADA Compliance Officer can assist students wishing to file complaints with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights or the Office of Civil Rights

Human Rights/Equity

It is the policy of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities that every person be given equal opportunity to be admitted to the technical college of his or her choice, thereby insuring that no disparate effect will be created in student population with regard to race, creed, color, gender, sexual preference, national origin, age, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, religion, disability, or membership or activity in a local commission as defined by law. Dakota County Technical college s an equal opportunity educator and employer.

Safety Regulations

College students are responsible for buying their own industrial safety glasses for programs which require them. Standard frames should be used to identify easily safety eye wear being worn in the designated areas. Students without required safety eye wear will not be permitted in class. Non-prescription safety glasses can be purchased from the college bookstore. Prescription safety glasses can also be purchased in the bookstore with a Student Requisition for Prescription Safety Glasses and a copy of the prescription. If the glasses are being purchased elsewhere, students are required to show their instructor written evidence obtained from their eye doctor.

I. Safety Glasses

Eye/face protective devices meeting ANSI Z87.1-1979 shall be worn by employees and students when any of the following situations exist:

Operation Hazard
Acetylene-burning cutting and/or welding Sparks, harmful rays, molten metal, flying particles
Chemical handling Splashes, acid burns, fumes
Chipping/hammering Flying particles
Electric (Arc) welding Sparks, intense rays, molten metal
Furnace operations Glare, heat, molten metal
Grinding (light*) Flying particles
Grinding (heavy) Flying particles
Laboratory Chemical splashes, glass breakage
Machining/sawing Flying particles
Molten metals Heat, glare, sparks
Spot welding Flying particles, sparks

* includes air or electric, portable, or bench-mounted grinding devices using wire wheels

A. Industrial safety glasses with side shields meeting ANSI Standard Z87.1-1979 shall be required in the following majors or departments:

Auto Body Collision Technology
Heavy Construction Equipment Technology
Heavy Duty Truck Technology
Related Welding
Welding/Structural Fabrication
Wood Finishing
Others as deemed necessary by the administration (future majors, etc.)

B. Non-side-shield safety glasses meeting ANSI Standard Z87.1-1979 shall be required in the following majors and/or departments:

Automotive Technology
Automotive Service Education Program (ASEP)
Electrical Lineworker
Others as deemed necessary by the administration (future majors, etc.)

C. Goggles and/or face shields meeting ANSI Standard Z87.1-1979 shall be worn when working with or around specified machinery or with or around potentially hazardous liquids in the following majors or departments:

Applied Visual Arts
Architectural Technology
Automotive Technology
Automotive Service Education Program (ASEP)
Dental Assistant
Graphic Design Technology
Heavy Construction Equipment Technology
Heavy Duty Truck Technology
Landscape/Horticulture
Medical Assistant
Photographic Technology
Related Welding
Welding/Structural Fabrication
Wood Finishing
Others as deemed necessary by the administration (future majors, etc.)

II. Contact Lenses

A. Contact lenses shall not be worn in the following majors or departments:

Auto Body Collision Technology
Automotive Technology
Automotive Service Education Program (ASEP)
Electrical Lineworker
Graphic Communications
Heavy Construction Equipment Technology
Heavy Duty Truck Technology
Related Welding
Telecommunications Systems Technology
Welding/Structural Fabrication
Wood Finishing
Others as deemed necessary by the administration (future majors, etc.)

B. Contact lenses will be allowed in hazardous situations only when accompanied by appropriate covering safety eye wear in the following majors or departments:

Applied Visual Arts
Architectural Technology
Landscape/Horticulture
Photographic Technology

III. Maintenance and disinfecting of eye protectors

A. "Pitted or scratched lenses may reduce vision and seriously reduce protection. Lenses that are pitted or scratched should be replaced when, in the judgment of the supervisor/instructor, the eye protector no longer complies with the requirements of ANSI Standard Z87. 1.6.4.1.2."

B.If protective equipment is shared it must be cleaned and disinfected according to ANSI Standard Z87.1.6.4.3.

IV. Hair restraints

will be worn in all programs when working with and around machinery:

If hair is five inches long,
When whiskers are two inches below the chin.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

Dakota County Technical College requires that all students make satisfactory progress toward a degree, diploma, or certificate to remain in good academic standing. Additionally, federal and state laws require that a recipient of financial aid make satisfactory academic progress toward a degree, diploma, or certificate to remain eligible for financial aid. Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid is defined in a separate policy. In compliance with federal and state laws and to implement college policy, Dakota County Technical College has established and will apply the following standards of academic progress to all students.

Students bear the primary responsibility for their own academic progress and for seeking assistance when experiencing academic difficulty. Students are encouraged to keep a file of their grades and transcripts. Academic advisors are available to review their students' academic progress

Requirements

The requirements for this policy are based on students successfully meeting both a qualitative and a quantitative measure each term. Satisfactory progress will be measured after a student has attempted 12 cumulative credits.

Qualitative Measure: All students are required to maintain a minimum cumulative 2.0 G.P.A.
Quantitative Measure: All students are required to complete a minimum of 67% of cumulative attempted credits.
Students are considered to be making unsatisfactory academic progress whenever they fail to meet the standard of a cumulative 2.0 G.P.A. or fail to complete 67% of their attempted credits.
NOTE: Developmental coursework (below 1000 level) will be included under this policy with a limit of 32 semester credits normally being allowed.

Implementation

Academic progress will be monitored as follows: All students who have attempted 12 or more cumulative credits will be evaluated at the end of each term.

Probation Letter: Any student who fails to meet the minimum satisfactory academic progress requirements for that term will receive a probation letter from the Registrar and will be placed on probation for one term, commencing immediately. During the term of probation, a student who receives a 2.0 G.P.A. for that term and completes at least 67% of all attempted credits that term may continue at the college but will remain on probation that term. This allows students making substantial improvement to continue with their educational objectives. Students experiencing academic difficulties are encouraged to use the resources available in the Learning Center. Academic assistance includes reading support, communications support, study skills support, Limited English proficiency support, math support, tutoring, and special accommodations. To arrange for extra help, students should stop by the Learning Center (room 2-141). In addition, advisors are available in the Student Services Office to help students with academic or personal concerns. Call 651-423-8301 or stop by the Student Services Office to schedule an appointment with one of the advisors.

Suspension Letter: A student on probation who fails to meet the minimum satisfactory academic progress requirements for a second consecutive term will receive a suspension letter from the Registrar and will be subject to suspension, one term in duration, commencing immediately. The student will be dropped from all courses for that term. Suspended students who wish to remain enrolled at the college must complete an appeal form and have it approved in order to be reinstated and continue in their classes for that term.

Appeals

A student who fails to make satisfactory academic progress and is suspended from enrollment has the right to appeal based on unusual or extenuating circumstances (e.g., death in the family, student's injury or illness). Suspended students who wish to remain enrolled at the college must submit an appeal within one week (seven days) of the date of their suspension letter. Students are encouraged to see an advisor to begin the appeals process. Appeals must be submitted in writing on the Student Petition Form available in the Student Services Office. The appeal must include an explanation of the circumstances that affected academic progress. If requested, the appeal must include supporting documentation. Students needing assistance with their appeals may request an advocate to be assigned by a advisor.

Students have the right to appeal for reinstatement when:

They have experienced undue hardship based on the death of a relative, injury, or illness.
They need to complete developmental and/or remedial coursework as certified by an advisor, the Supplemental Services Coordinator, or their program advisor.
They have extenuating or unusual circumstances that can be supported.

Appeals must be directed to the Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid who serves as Chair of the Appeals Committee. The appeal will be reviewed by the Appeals Committee, and a written decision on the appeal will be provided to the student. The decision will be final. Students who are granted an appeal will be allowed to remain enrolled at the college for that term. They will continue on probationary status for that term.

Reinstatement

A student who has been suspended from enrollment may continue at the college after an appeal has been approved or return to the college after the period of suspension has passed. In both cases, the student remains on probation. A suspended student whose appeal to remain in school has been denied and who has sat out the required term may return to the college under probationary status.

Smoke/Tobacco-Free Environment

Student Complaints and Grievances

A student may challenge an act or omission or a decision by a Dakota County Technical College employee through the procedures described below. These procedures do not apply to situations involving violation of the Student Conduct Code. Students are encouraged to use informal means to have the decision underlying the dispute/disagreement reconsidered before making a complaint or grievance under these procedures.

No retaliation of any kind shall be taken against a student for participation in a complaint or grievance. Complaint and grievance records shall be released only as allowed by state and federal law.

Definitions

Appeal: A request for reconsideration of a grievance application of a policy or procedure

Complaint: An oral claim by a student alleging improper, unfair, arbitrary, or discriminatory treatment

Business Day:A weekday during which classes are in session."Day" excludes Saturdays, Sundays, breaks in the academic calendar, and when day classes are canceled due to bad weather, faculty/staff meetings, or any other reason.

Grievance: A written claim raised by a student alleging improper, unfair, arbitrary, or discriminatory action by an employee involving the application of a specific provision of a rule/regulation, policy, or procedure

Retaliation: Retribution of any kind taken against a student for participating in a complaint or grievance

Student: An individual student, a group of students, or the student government

Complaints

A student may make a complaint by bringing it to the attention of the appropriate employee(s) and requesting an opportunity to discuss it. The employee(s) contacted by the student must meet with the student and respond to the complaint within five business days of receipt of the complaint. If such oral complaint is not satisfactorily resolved, it may only be pursued as a written grievance if it satisfies the grievance definition outlined above.

Grievances

A grievance must be filed within 30 days following the act or omission or decision giving rise to the grievance, or the date on which the student reasonably should have known of such act or omission or decision if that date is later. Grievance forms may be obtained in the Student Services Office. All grievances must be submitted in writing to one of the advisors. The grievance shall set forth the nature of the grievance, the facts on which it is based, the act or omission or decision grieved, and the relief requested. Grievances will be evaluated in up to four steps:

Step 1: Evaluation by the employee(s) named in the grievance. Upon receipt of a written grievance, the advisor shall forward the grievance to the appropriate employee(s). Within five days of the employee's receipt of the grievance, the employee(s) shall discuss the matter with the student at a time mutually agreeable to the parties. If at this meeting a resolution is reached, it shall be reduced to writing and signed by both parties. If no agreement is reached, the employee(s) shall prepare a written response. The employee's response must be issued within ten days of the day of the meeting with the student. In either event, the employee shall provide a copy of the written document to the advisor. If the matter is not satisfactorily resolved, the student may request Step 2 review within the time allowed.

Step 2: Appeal to the appropriate Academic Dean/Supervisor or designee. If no agreement is reached in Step 1, the student may appeal to the appropriate Academic Dean/Supervisor (or designee) by filing a written notice of appeal with the Academic Dean/Supervisor. The notice of appeal must be filed within five days of receipt of the written response in Step 1, or, if no timely response was given, within five days of the date a response was due.

Within five days of receipt of the notice of appeal, the Academic Dean/Supervisor (or designee) shall meet with the student at a mutually agreeable time. If at this meeting a resolution is reached, it shall be reduced to writing and signed by both parties. If no agreement is reached, the Academic Dean/Supervisor (or designee) shall prepare a written response. The written response must be issued within ten days of the day of the meeting with the student. In either event, the employee shall provide a copy of the written document to the advisor. The Academic Dean's/Supervisor's decision is final, unless the grievance appeal involves a college rule or regulation. Where a rule or regulation is involved, the student may request Step 3 review within the time allowed if the matter is not satisfactorily resolved.

Step 3: Appeal to the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs or designee. If no agreement is reached in Step 2, and the matter involves a college rule or regulation, the student may appeal to the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs (or designee) by filing a written notice of appeal with the Vice President. The notice of appeal must be filed within five days of receipt of the written response in Step 2, or, if no timely response was given, within five days of the date a response was due.

Within five days of receipt of the notice of appeal, the Vice President (or designee) shall meet with the student at a mutually agreeable time. If at this meeting a resolution is reached, it shall be reduced to writing and signed by both parties. If no agreement is reached, the Vice President (or designee) shall prepare a written response. The written response must be issued within 15 days of the day of the meeting with the student. The Vice President's decision is final.

If the matter involves a Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) Board policy or the actions of any college president, the student may appeal through the Chancellor to the Board by filing a written notice of appeal with the Chancellor. The decision of the Board is final.

Student Conduct Rules and Procedures

Student Records Policy and Procedures

In compliance with Section 99.6 of the regulations implementing the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.

Dakota County Technical College maintains records about students in various places within the institution. Under federal and state law, students have certain rights concerning the records which the college maintains. This notice is to make students aware of those rights. Students with questions about their rights should contact the Registrar in the Student Services Office.

Data Privacy

In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, DCTC is designating the following as Directory Information

Name
Address
Telephone Number
Date of Birth
E-mail addresses
Major
Dates of attendance
Participation in recognized activities
Degrees/awards received
Honors
Photographs including Student ID pictures
Height and weight of athletes

This designation makes the above information public data under state law and the information may be released to organizations and individuals requesting it. If you do not want any of this information released to third parties, stop by or call Student Services to request the Student Data Privacy Form.

Student Right to Know

Student Rights under FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. They are:

The right to inspect and review their education records within 45 days of the day the college receives a request for access.

Students should submit to the Registrar, Dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, a written request which identifies as precisely as possible the record or records he or she wishes to inspect. The college official will make the needed arrangements for access as promptly as possible and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the college official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
The right to request the amendment of their education records to ensure that they are not inaccurate or misleading.

Students may ask the college to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the college official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.

If the college decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the college will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in their education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the college in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the college has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.

A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
The right to file with the U.S. Department of Education a complaint concerning alleged failures by the college to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education,
400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, D.C., 20202-4605

Tennessen Warning

Title IX Compliance

Tuition, Fee Due Dates, and Payment Policy

Dakota County Technical College